Gadgets

Silva ADC weather gaugeThe Swedish brand Silva is the benchmark when it comes to compasses, but its toy box is much bigger than that. This, part of its Atmospheric Data Centre range, is a handheld weather station, measuring wind speed, temperature and the wind-chill factor.

It’s waterproof and robust, and as well as the weather data it’s got useful functions like a clock and chronograph for timings. It saves the data it collects, too, so you can read off averages and get a sense of trends. There’s even a small compass needle within the wind meter blades that give a rough bearing when held horizontally. Silva ADC weather gauge, €89.99, Great Outdoors

Overade folding helmetOr Casque Pliable, as Overade call it. Armadillo-like, this cycling helmet folds neatly in three and can slip comfortably into a backpack or messenger bag. Even a generous handbag could take it. It's not approved yet, but the ABS body and polystyrene lining is standard spec for bike helmets, and Overade designed it to win EN1078 certification, which it can't get until the first production run is complete. Overade folding helmet, €75, ulule.com

Sabi Grande CarafeYounger readers will be looking at this askance, wondering how anyone might ever need such a thing. However Sabi's Grande Carafe could prove a practical dig-out for adventurers of a more mature vintage. It's a reusable, plastic bottle with a screw-on cap that hides a three-compartment pill box. So you can stash your dosage and have water to hand to wash it down. Perfect for travelling or hiking, the BPA-free bottle is always useful to keep you hydrated. Holds 455ml, weighs 100g. Sabi Grande Carafe, $16.99, amazon.com

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